Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths, grass lawns. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Transport arrangements and driving distances for dinner with local families vary.
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a full Irish breakfast buffet with varying choices including a variety of eggs, breakfast meats, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus juices, coffee, tea water.
Boarding a motorcoach, we’ll set out for a panoramic field trip around Cork with commentary provided by a local expert who will explain the historical and architectural significance of major sites along our route. We’ll see the 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral dedicated to the city’s patron saint Finbarr, the haunting remains of the iconic St Anne’s Asylum buildings overlooking the River Lee, and the 1930s City Hall built after the Irish War of Independence. Our field trip will finish in the vibrant university district, where we will have some time for independent exploration. University College Cork is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland, originally founded as one of Ireland’s three Queen’s Colleges, and is one of the world’s foremost research institutions.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll transfer to Cobh where we'll begin with a lecture on the Irish Exodus to the New World, delivered by a local expert in a function room at a local hotel. We’ll then join our local expert for a gentle walk on the Titanic Trail through Cobh, a picturesque seaside town steeped in maritime history. It was the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic and the departure point for many immigrants to the Americas. We'll follow their story at the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre where we can retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers, and finally on the great liners. After the field trip, we’ll meet members of the families who will host our dinners this evening, and travel to their homes.
In the homes of local host families from the surrounding area, we’ll be treated to family-style meals featuring traditional dishes. Whilst chatting with our hosts and savoring home-cooked Irish cuisine, we’ll learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life. This hosted dinner is subject to confirmation dependent on Covid restrictions and availability
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.